Mar 29, 2024  
Graduate Catalog | 2018-2019 
    
Graduate Catalog | 2018-2019 Previous Edition

Psychology, M.A.


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The objective of the M.A. in Psychology program is to train psychologists in the knowledge and skills necessary to address problems encountered in modern living. The program provides a foundation in the research methods and content of basic psychology as well as excellent preparation for doctoral programs in psychology. The relatively small, competitively selected student body receives individual attention from faculty members who maintain rigorous standards of academic excellence.

Additional Admission Requirements


To be considered for admission, a student must present the following requirements in addition to those required by the Graduate School:

  1. Completed application by March 1
  2. 18 credit hours of undergraduate psychology including Introductory Psychology & Research Methods
  3. An undergraduate course in statistics
  4. Acceptable scores on the Verbal and Quantitative GRE

Admission to the program is very competitive for the spaces available each year. Most students who are admitted have much better records than the minimum required. The primary application deadline is March 1 for admission in the Fall semester, but if space is still available, late applications will be considered until May 1.

Degree Requirements


The program requires at least 30 credit hours of graduate coursework. Full-time students should be able to complete the program in two calendar years. A thesis is required.

Core Courses (18 credit hours)


Methodology Courses (6 credit hours)


Select one of the following options:

Option B (Community)

Option C (Cognition)

Specialty Area Courses (6 credit hours)


Select one of the following options:

Thesis Course (3 credit hours)


Thesis committees shall have at least 3 members.  At least one member should be a member of the psychology faculty.  The committee must be approved by the student’s advisor and the program director.  After submitting the formal written proposal to the committee, a proposal defense will be scheduled.  Approval of the thesis proposal by the committee must be unanimous.  Following a successful proposal, the student shall execute the study, write and submit the complete thesis to the committee.  An oral defense in front of the committee shall then be scheduled.  Approval of the completed thesis by the committee must be unanimous.

Elective Courses (12 credit hours)


A minimum of 12 elective credit hours selected in consultation with the student’s Advisory Committee is required.  Available elective courses include psychology graduate courses and the following courses from other departments:

Grade Requirements


Hours beyond the required 30 credit hours of graduate course work may be required by the academic advisor and the student’s advisory committee.  The faculty conduct a thorough review of student performance on a regular basis.  Continuation in the program is contingent upon a favorable review during these evaluations.  Students who consistently show borderline course performance, who fail to complete coursework in a timely basis, or who otherwise perform unprofessionally or unsatisfactorily, may be required to complete additional courses or may be removed from the program.  The enrollment of a student who receives three grades of C or one Unsatisfactory (U) grade during his or her graduate career is automatically terminated.

Assistantships


A variety of resources are available for financial assistance. These include teaching assistantships, research assistantships from faculty grants, and graduate assistantships in other campus units such as the Learning Center and Disability Student Services.

Research Experiences


Students are encouraged to become involved in ongoing research in the department, and they are required to complete a thesis.

Degree Total = 30 Credit Hours


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